Program Manager

A regional water authority is looking for a Program Manager for an acceleration program aimed at reducing nitrous oxide emissions. Nitrous oxide emissions account for over 60% of the water authorities' footprint. The program runs until the end of 2027 and aims to determine the magnitude of emissions and gain insight into their reduction. A subsidy of 8.6 million euros has been made available for this purpose by a government agency.

This project is unique in the world, as nitrous oxide measurements are simultaneously carried out at over 50 wastewater treatment plants, attracting international interest. Program management started in spring 2024 with a focus on setting up the organization and project structure. This phase has been successfully completed, and the program is now in execution. The current focus is on the substantive activities of the program, mainly carried out by the leaders of the three tracks.

The current program structure primarily supports these substantive activities. In short, the program has completed its start-up phase and has now entered the phase of managing and guiding the executive tasks.

What you will do.

• Together with the leaders of the three tracks, implement the planning, work distribution, and execution of activities to achieve the intended results.
• Organize necessary meetings, resources, and agreements to ensure success.
• Monitor and guide the awarding of contracts to external parties, in consultation with the track leaders.
• Prepare and present progress updates for the steering committee and other stakeholders.
• Escalate to the steering committee chair if program progress is at risk.
• Adjust the approach (in consultation with the track leaders) if necessary due to internal or external developments.
• Act as a sparring partner on approach for other members of the program team.
• Based on evolving insights, keep the Process Communication Plan and the core message up-to-date. This is a continuous process, linked to progress discussions.
• Support in drafting reports for the subsidy provider and financial accountability.

What they ask

• You are a team player; able to work as a team and be the driving force for maintaining the group process.
• You possess professionalism; the ability to maintain structure within the organization and continue to execute tasks in a businesslike manner.
• You have strong communication skills for sharing information inside and outside the program.
• You are flexible; the ability to anticipate changing circumstances.
• You have an understanding of the political and policy context within the water sector.
• You are intrinsically motivated by the subject.
• Proficiency in the Dutch language is mandatory.